Benefits of a Compression Bra Post-Breast Surgery
Opting for a compression bra or a post op bra can play an important role in healing after breast surgery. The bra is designed to lend that much-needed support, helping you to avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. The bra maintains the shape of your breasts, offering a gentle embrace that facilitates a smoother recovery. This garment aids in reducing swelling, a common post-operative concern, promoting better circulation and helping with the drainage of lymph fluids. Furthermore, it can assist in keeping the surgical site secure, preventing any adverse effects on the incisions. A compression bra is more than just a piece of clothing; it plays an important part in your recovery process, assisting day by day as you move toward healing, providing comfort and support where it is most needed.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna specialises in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Her expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of surgical procedures, including breast augmentation.
Download Miss Anca Breahna Breast Augmentation Guide
Types of Breast Surgery Requiring a Post Op Bra
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is performed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. It is a popular cosmetic surgery option for individuals who desire a fuller or more symmetrical bustline. This procedure is often chosen for various reasons, including improving one’s self-image, regaining breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply achieving a desired aesthetic appearance.
- Implant Support: Compression bras are crucial post-augmentation to provide gentle support and ensure the implants settle properly
- Minimising Swelling: They aid in reducing post-surgery swelling, which can impact the final appearance of the augmented breasts
- Comfort: Compression bras alleviate discomfort and help maintain the desired breast shape during the healing process
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, known medically as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate the physical and emotional discomfort associated with excessively large breasts. This surgical intervention is often sought for a variety of reasons, primarily medical, as it effectively reduces both the size and weight of the breasts.
- Support and Comfort: Compression bras offer much-needed support to the reduced breasts, minimising strain on the surgical area
- Swelling Reduction: They aid in reducing swelling and inflammation, contributing to a more comfortable recovery
- Incision Care: Compression bras protect the incision sites, ensuring they heal properly and with minimal scarring
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that is typically performed following a mastectomy, which is the removal of one or both breasts. The primary goal of breast reconstruction is to restore a natural-looking breast appearance, providing individuals who have undergone mastectomy with the option to regain their sense of wholeness and femininity. This procedure can be a crucial component of the emotional and physical recovery process for individuals who have experienced breast cancer or other medical conditions necessitating breast removal.
- Implant Support: For those opting for implant-based reconstruction, a post op bra can help support and maintain the position of the breast implants
- Tissue Flap Support: In cases of tissue flap reconstruction, compression bras offer vital support as the transplanted tissue integrates with the chest
- Scar Management: They assist in managing scars and promoting even healing
Functions of Compression Bras during Breast Surgery Recovery
In the journey of post-breast surgery recovery, understanding the role of compression bras is invaluable. These specialised garments play a vital role in creating a supportive and healing environment after breast surgery.
- Stabilisation and Minimised Movement: One of the foremost functions of compression bras is to provide stability to the surgical area. After breast surgery, your body is in a state of healing, and minimising movement is paramount. Compression bras offer gentle yet effective restraint, ensuring that the chest remains steady. This not only reduces the risk of complications but also minimises post-surgical discomfort
- Swelling Reduction and Improved Circulation: Post-surgery, it’s common for the surgical site to experience swelling. Compression bras are designed to apply consistent pressure, aiding in the reduction of this swelling. By promoting optimal circulation, they help transport excess fluids away from the surgical area, which can expedite the healing process
- Scar Minimisation and Support: Compression bras also play a significant role in scar management. They gently hold incision sites together, encouraging the formation of neater and less conspicuous scars. Moreover, they provide vital support to the breasts, especially after procedures like mastectomy, augmentation, or reduction, ensuring that the surgical area remains protected
- Customised Care for Different Surgeries: Notably, compression bras are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to suit various surgical procedures. Whether you’ve undergone a mastectomy, breast augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, there are specific compression bras designed to address the unique requirements of each surgery type. This tailored care ensures that your recovery is optimised for the best possible outcome
How Are Post Op Bras Different from Regular Bras
A compression bra is a specialised supportive garment designed to aid in the recovery process following breast surgeries. Let’s take a look at how it stands apart from the regular bras:
- Material: While regular bras are often made from a variety of materials including lace, cotton, and synthetic blends, compression bras are primarily crafted from materials that offer optimum support and comfort, incorporating medical-grade fabric which is both breathable and offers the necessary compression
- Design: Unlike regular bras that may have underwires and different kinds of paddings, compression bras are designed with the primary purpose of offering support and encouraging healing; they are often wire-free to prevent any irritation to sensitive areas and to offer uniform compression
- Closure: Regular bras might have back or front closures, while compression bras often come with front closures to make it easier for you to put on and take off the bra, a vital feature, especially in the initial stages of recovery where movement can be limited and painful
- Support: While regular bras offer support mainly for comfort and shape, compression bras offer a more structured and consistent support to aid in the recovery process, helping to maintain the shape of your breasts and to hold surgical dressings in place
Tips for Choosing the Right Compression Bra
Selecting the appropriate compression bra should be easy. Here are some tips to guide you in making the right choice:
- Consulting with your plastic surgeon: Before making a purchase, consult with your plastic surgeon to understand the specific requirements based on your individual health condition and the nature of the surgery undertaken
- Taking proper measurements: Ensuring that you have the correct measurements is fundamental in selecting a bra that will offer the right level of support without causing discomfort. Consider getting professionally measured to find the perfect fit
- Reading reviews and seeking recommendations: Leveraging the experiences of others can be a valuable resource. Read reviews and seek recommendations to find a product that has worked well for others with similar needs
What to Look for in a Compression Bra
Here are the essential factors to consider to find the bra that meets your needs perfectly:
Material and fabric
- Breathability: Opt for materials that allow your skin to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort
- Hypoallergenic properties: Choosing hypoallergenic fabrics can prevent allergic reactions, ensuring a comfortable wear throughout the day
Support and comfort
- Firm yet gentle support: The post op bra should offer support that is firm yet gentle, holding the breasts securely without causing discomfort
- Preventing unnecessary movement: It should prevent unnecessary movement of the breasts, which could potentially disrupt the healing process
Adjustability and closure system
- Accommodating changes in breast size: A good bra should allow for adjustments to accommodate changes in breast size that occur during the recovery process
- Easy to use: The closure system should be user-friendly, allowing you to put on and take off the bra with ease
FAQs about Compression Garments after Breast Surgery
Why do I need to wear a compression bra after breast surgery, and how does it help with recovery?
- Wearing a compression bra post-breast surgery is crucial as it provides gentle yet firm support to the surgical area. It minimises movement, reduces swelling, and stabilises the chest, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery. This support aids in the healing process, helps minimise pain, and can contribute to better cosmetic outcomes.
Can I wear a regular sports bra instead of a compression bra after breast surgery?
- While regular sports bras may offer support, they lack the specific design and compression features of compression bras. Compression bras are tailored to meet the unique needs of post-surgery recovery. They provide the ideal balance of gentle pressure and support, ensuring optimal healing conditions and minimising potential complications.
How long should I wear a compression bra after breast surgery?
- The duration of compression bra usage varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. Typically, Anca recommends wearing a compression bra for several weeks to a few months post-surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide personalised guidance on when it’s safe to transition to a regular bra based on your healing progress.
Are compression bras uncomfortable to wear?
- Compression bras are specifically designed for comfort during the post-surgery phase. They use soft, breathable materials and avoid underwires to minimise irritation and discomfort. While you may experience some initial tightness, most patients find them quite comfortable, especially considering the support and benefits they offer during recovery.
Can I purchase a post op bra on my own, or should I rely on the one provided by the surgical centre?
- It’s advisable to consult with your plastic surgeon before purchasing a compression bra. Anca can recommend specific brands or types of compression bras that suit your surgery type and individual needs. In some cases, the surgical centre may provide a compression bra as part of your post-surgery care package, ensuring it meets the necessary specifications for your recovery.
Further Reading about Breast Procedures with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
- Read more about Breast Reduction
- Read more about Fat Transfer to Breasts
- Read more about Breasts after Weight Loss
- Read more about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Profile and Projection
- Read more about Back Shoulder and Neck Pain caused by Large Breasts
- Read more about Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments after Breast Reduction
- Read more about Risks of Smoking before or after Breast Surgery
Medical References about Post Op Bras
- What are the Types of Elastic Compression Garments? – Medical News
- Do I Need to Wear a Compression Garment After Plastic Surgery? – CosmetiCare
- What Is Binding, And How Can I Do It Safely? – Medical News Today
- What Is Chest Binding? – WebMD
- Compression Therapy: Types and Benefits – Cleveland Clinic
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of 
